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Enough is Enough! European Trade Union Action Day - 29 February 2012

Working people and their unions will be protesting across Europe calling on their governments to turn their backs on austerity and concentrate on creating jobs and stimulating growth - all part of a day of action on 29 February called by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).

In December, the Governments of Europe agreed to develop a new Treaty, requiring national governments to stay within strict limits on public sector budgets and giving the EU powers to enforce those limits. In effect, hardwiring austerity into the European Union.

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), which unites 60 million trade unionists across Europe, has condemned the Treaty because it will lead to cuts in public services, unemployment and lower wages. Not just for people working in health, education and public administration, but in every industry: young people in particular will be badly affected.

Before the leaders of Europe's governments meet again in Brussels, the ETUC has called a Day of Action on 29 February, against austerity, for jobs and social justice.

Take action now!

The TUC is urging everyone to email the ambassadors of the 25 countries whose governments are still involved in the discussions setting out why the Treaty would be so damaging for workers, employers and communities across Europe. Join us in sending emails to EU countries' Ambassadors in London by visiting http://www.goingtowork.org.uk/enough-is-enough-help-give-the-uk-a-say-on-the-eus-austerity-treaty/

TUC joins Europe-wide trade union protests against new Treaty

"This Treaty promises a bleak future for ordinary people across Europe. It would put a strait-jacket on growth, living standards and jobs and do permanent damage to communities as services are cut to the bone. And it would prevent voters from putting jobs and growth first by tying politicians' hands..." TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber. Read full press release.

Brendan Barber writes to David Cameron

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber has written to the Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to outline the trade union movement's opposition to the new European treaty on stability, co-ordination and governance in the economic and monetary union, and to explain that British trade unionists are having to lobby Governments around Europe as part of an ETUC day of action about the treaty because the UK Government walked out on the negotiations. Read letter [PDF]

Briefing document (300 words) issued 28 Feb 2012